Dr. Visit - Good News

[KSH]

Great news! Keep up your spirits and you will just keeping improving as time goes on.

Thanks for the update!

[silver]

Jeannie! that's wonderful!!! Such good new to hear.

My accident wasn't anywhere near as bad as yours. I have certainly identified with you.

I've wondered too, what injuries have been the biggest obstacle for you. Is it the extent of your broken pelvis?

I'm so sorry that you have been through this and I hope that your progress continues to be good!!!

[jeannierides]

Thanks, everyone. Today has been my first full day without the crutch. I walk like an old woman - well, worse, actually. My body is stiff and muscles tight. When I walk, I move my whole body instead of walking from my hips and waist... due to the protective nature I've had to take during this recovery. My physical therapist thinks some of my muscles and tendons may have shortened during the time I've not used them. They will recover, but will need lots of PT. Today we worked on stability and mobility... I did leg weight work as well as the little balance board... and lots of squats. It's very exhausting, but I'm sure worth it. We'll see how I feel in the morning!

Silver, yes, the worst has been the pelvic injuries. The pelvis fractures were *open book* fractures, which are quite serious (of course, all pelvic fractures are serious), the sacral pubis fracture can render the pelvis unstable if the tendons don't strengthen and hold it together while it is healing... that's what kept me from being able to put full weight on my right leg until now. Most of my pain at this point is due to some kind of nerve damage in my leg or pelvis. This causes my feet to hurt. Hopefully the doc can tell me more about that after the test next Tuesday.

[emily_in_nc]

Jeannie,

So glad to hear your good news! I know that recovery is slow, but think how far you've come! So glad your doctor was so encouraging. Swimming seems like it would be very good for you, if you have a place you could do that.

I had to go through "gait retraining" with a PT when learning to walk properly again after no weight-bearing on my right side for 8 weeks after my own pelvic fractures, so I know a little of what you are going through. But I didn't have the foot/leg nerve problems you mention. I do have some lingering sacroiliac (SI) joint pain on road rides, though, which manifests as deep dull pain at the top of my right buttock. Hopefully you won't have this after-effect! My right leg is a little shorter than my left now too, so I adjust my cleat a forward on that shoe. I toy with the idea of having a cortisone injection in the joint and may still do that, as the orthopedic surgeon told me that after two years I was as healed as I was likely to get, and this pain has been pretty much the same since I started riding again after my accident. Hiking and jogging don't bother it, but kayaking does, because of the way the back of my pelvis hits the seatback.

I wish you the best in your continued recovery....every day stronger!

Emily

[jeannierides]

Thanks, Emily. I think the *gait retraining* will certainly be part of my pt as well. I guess time will tell if I have lingering pain. The doc thinks it's certainly possible. Right now my right knee is giving me some pain, but I'm hoping it's just because it's still weak from not being used. As you know, it's hard to be patient, and I tend to overdo (as when I was standing and cooking dinner tonight). My neighborhood pool is just across the street from my townhouse, and I certainly plan to use it... right now it doesn't open til 4 p.m... and I have to locate my swimsuit!
I really appreciate the encouragement from you all.

[Mr. Bloom]

I have certainly identified with you.

Silver will also attest that every 36 hours, she'd experience an emotional meltdown from boredom, stir craziness, pain, etc.

Your strength is evidenced by the distance you've come, so don't get discouraged because your emotions reveal your humanity

[jeannierides]

Silver will also attest that every 36 hours, she'd experience an emotional meltdown from boredom, stir craziness, pain, etc.

Thanks for your thoughtful words. I haven't had the boredom issue quite yet... dso has been off work due to his own surgery, and we've kept each other company. He goes back to work, however, tomorrow, and I may have a little bit of that. Work is still a couple of months away for me. The pain can make me feel I'm going crazy at times, though. I do know I've come an extremely long way - and in a relatively short amount of time. (I also know I'm going through a LOT of books these days... thanks to one of our own TE members... Velobambina - aka Suzanne.)

Oh, and IFJane... just let me know when...

[Jo-n-NY]

Jeannie, I am so happy to hear of all the wonderful progress you have made. I am sorry for not posting earlier, but some posts get passed me from one section to another.

It is great reading your updates.

~ JoAnn

[cosc]

Jeannierides, congrats on every step you've taken in this process to wellness. I admire your tenacious attitude. Continue to be patient with your body and it will take you where you want to go.